Topic: research

The Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ancient Metagenomics, as part of the Centre of Excellence “Estonian Roots” (CoE for transdisciplinary studies on ethnogenesis and cultural diversity).

The OPTOMICS project, co-led by Professor Reedik Mägi of the Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu, has been recognised by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar. The project focuses on developing a prevention method for type 2 diabetes.

Ancient DNA data have helped identify that certain herpesviruses, which most people encounter during their lifetime, became part of the human genome thousands of years ago.

Have you ever wondered how your personality is related to how you do in life? Estonian researchers have put together a large overview of personality profiles – a so-called “personality atlas” that helps us better understand how different combinations of personality traits are related to people’s choices and life events.

In the recent call for the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grants, University of Tartu researchers received funding for three projects: to study the climate impact of air pollution particles, the formation of cell patterns in plant leaves, and women’s hormonal sensitivity. Each grant amounts to nearly two million euros, and the projects last for five years.

The European Research Council (ERC) decided to fund Associate Professor Triin Laisk’s research project, which aims to get a better understanding of the factors affecting women’s health and improve women’s well-being throughout their lives.

In Estonia, breast cancer screening is offered from the age of 50, yet one-fifth of first diagnoses occur in younger women. A new clinical study has therefore been conducted to test better ways to detect the disease early.

The analytics company Clarivate revealed its 2025 list of Highly Cited Researchers, which includes four researchers affiliated with the University of Tartu.

Genoomne epidemioloogia uurib, kuidas inimeste geneetiline varieeruvus mõjutab haigusriske. Oma töös kasutame geenidoonorite geeni- kui ka terviseandmed, et mõista, kuidas meie geneetika mõjutab komplekshaiguste ja -tunnuste kujunemist, sh naiste tervis, meeste reproduktiivtervis, põletikulised haigused ja metaboolsed haigused (näiteks diabeet). Seejärel proovime mõista, kuidas kõige paremini kasutada infot geneetiliste haigusriskide kohta haiguste ennetamisel.